The first round of the PIAA high school football state playoffs is over and three District II teams advanced to the state quarterfinals. These squads only need to win two more games to advance to the state championships at Cumberland Valley.
The 2025 Hanover Hawkeye Classic delivered a full slate of grit, stamina, and statement victories on Sunday as youth wrestlers from across the region hit the mats at Hanover Area High School. Hosted by Pocono Mountain Youth Wrestling and PA Youth Wrestling, the preseason showcase offered a first look at rising talent and more than a few matches that had the gym rocking from whistle to fall.
Austin Finarelli has joined an elite group once again. The former Dallas High School standout and current Elizabethtown College guard reached the 1,000-point mark of his college career, adding another milestone to a résumé that has defined consistency, leadership, and long-term excellence.
Lackawanna Trail arrived in Shamokin with momentum and left with even more, overpowering undefeated Line Mountain with toughness, timely plays, and a relentless ground attack. The Lions controlled the state opener from start to finish, earning a trip to the PIAA 1A quarterfinals.
The North Pocono Trojans improved to 13-0 Friday night with a 40–36 victory over Bishop Shanahan in the PIAA Class 4A state tournament. North Pocono opened the game with a 13-0 lead behind two early rushing touchdowns from Josiah Gray and carried a 13-7 advantage into halftime.